Happy International Women’s Day
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we thought that we would invite you to get to know the ladies of the One Gin and One Water a bit better. Both businesses work together to support The One Foundation, who funds clean, sustainable water projects across Sub-Saharan Africa.
cecile
What’s your story?
I’ve been lucky to have the most amazing career so far – working for some iconic brands in advertising agencies, and currently in executive recruitment and meeting some outstanding marketing and comms talent in the process, and most recently embarking on this mad and amazing adventure with The Spirit of One. I just love having a portfolio career and using my brain in completely different ways for my two roles – Everyday is different, that’s for sure!
What female leader/s inspire you & why?
There are so many women that inspire me in my professional and personal life, and this for many reasons, but the one that stands out is my sister. She is the British ambassador to Great Britain in the Philippines (no less!) and has got there through sheer determination, sleepless nights and very hard work, getting out of her comfort zone in often very male dominated countries and teams. And whilst she has a huge, highly demanding job, she is incredibly humble about it and it hasn’t changed the hugely loving, and sometimes mad person she was 20 years ago.
What piece of advice, as a female, would you give your younger self?
Things have thankfully changed a lot in the last 10 to 15 years. When I started my career, there was this real sense that you had to act like a man and ‘work hard, play hard’. I genuinely believe that men and women approach life and work in different ways and that’s a good, healthy thing, but my tip is ‘be proud to be a woman’, be proud to admit your failings, to be fragile sometimes, to be human….And to be a mum for that matter. We can be strong at times and need help at other times and I think it’s very powerful and aspirational to show this.
What’s you favourite cocktail and how do you make it?
My favourite drink in the world is the One Gin martini in Claridge’s. They keep the bottle at minus seventeen degrees – That extra cold gin is just delicious (…if a bit lethal. Only have one!) The setting isn’t bad either…
When you’re not making/selling gin/water, where will we find you?
My best and most important job is not one you’ll find on my LinkedIn profile. It’s to be a mum to our two girls. I am very away that time flies by quickly ; they are 8 and 10 and I do everything I can to live in the present with them. Which means free time at the moment is spent climbing trees, watching dance routines, doing Harry Potter quizzes and making dens!
Sarah
What’s your story?
Hello I’m Sarah and I’m the finance director at One Water. I’m a chartered accountant and in my personal life I’m a wife and mother to 2 teenagers.
What female leader/s inspire you?
All too often there can be a tendency for women to feel that they need to act like a man to be an effective leader; I think our Queen is a great example of a woman who seemingly never compromises her femininity in order to lead.
What piece of advice, as a female, would you give your younger self?
Have confidence in yourself and your abilities and don’t fall victim to impostor syndrome.
What’s your favourite cocktail and how do you make it?
A gin sling – mix One Gin sage with dash of lemon juice, angostura bitters tonic or soda with lots of ice of course.
When you’re not making/selling gin/water, where will we find you?
Walking my labrador or cheering my kids on from the sidelines.
Vanessa
What’s your story?
Hiya, my name is Vanessa, I’m the Senior Marketing Manager here at One Gin and I’ve worked in hospitality and the drinks industry for the last 10 years. I started in pubs and restaurants in some of your favourites such as Pizza Express and Cote and moved on to join the fabulous team at Tipplesworth. We made delicious non-alcoholic cocktail mixers, I got to be involved in everything from NPD, label design, launch parties, account management, you name it, I did it. I joined the team at One Gin just under a year ago and I’m loving it, it’s great to be part of something that gives back.
What female leader/s inspire you?
I’d have to say, all the amazing female founders I’ve been lucky enough to work with such as Frankie Snobel, founder of Tipplesworth, Joyce & Raissa de Haas, founders of Double Dutch and the lovely Cecile, co-founder of One Gin. The drinks industry is pretty heavily male dominated and it’s been a great experience to work with so many determined and successful females.
What piece of advice, as a female, would you give your younger self?
‘Don’t worry so much’ in fact I have to remind myself some times even today, everything works out in the end and problem-solving is a great way to learn. Don’t be afraid to speak up and say what you think.
What’s your favourite cocktail & how do you make it?
Mine has to a Sbagliato, I’m a fiend for prosecco based cocktails and this is the perfect balance of fizz and bitterness with a dry finish. Simply add 30ml sweet vermouth, 30ml campari and 60ml of prosecco to a tall glass filled with ice (I tend to be a little bit more generous with the bubbles) and garnish with a thick slice of orange and voila!
When you’re not making/selling gin/water, where can we find you?
If there’s rugby on, you’ll find me sipping a glass of rose, dressed head to toe in green and cheering on Ireland until I’ve lost my voice but when there’s no six nations I love to bake in my free time, one of my favourite recipes is the Guinness Cake from The Humming Bird Bakery cook book, it’s insane!
Colette
What’s your story?
Hi, I’m Colette and I’m the Marketing and Social Media Executive at OneWater.This is my first job since leaving university where I studied French and History in Paris for 3 years!
What female leader/s inspire you?
It has to be Joanna Lumley, she’s such an icon! I respect how she uses her fame from being on screen to support worthy causes and to raise awareness of important environmental, social and human rights issues. She really inspires me to be an honest, giving person and to live life to the fullest.The quote from her that I live by is: “You only have one go at life, which is thrilling. Only you can make yourself into who you want to be. Don’t blame anybody else.You are entitled to free fresh air, and that’s it. Do the rest yourself.”
What piece of advice, as a female, would you give your younger self?
Definitely to just do what you love – all of my friends growing up had such clear career directions. Don’t overthink it and just pick the subjects that you enjoy the most at school and they won’t feel like work.You’ll find the path you’re supposed to be on
What’s your favourite cocktail & how do you make it?
My favourite cocktail has to be a Cosmopolitan! It’s so simple to make and so easy to drink! It’s literally just vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice. My preference is having it garnished with orange peel and an edible flower if they’re going!
When you’re not making/selling gin/water, where can we find you?
I’d love to say the gym, but in reality, it’s probably cuddling with my cats watching TV and sipping a Cosmopolitan…! Or if it’s a school night, with an Oat milk tea..
esther
What’s your story?
Sales Director (Part Time) for The Spirit of One. A career that started out in telesales for Rank Xerox in the early 90’s. (they were huge in their day) selling copier supplies, with a title of ‘Document Supplies Specialist,’ (fancy!) it set me up brilliantly for a life of sales. Along the way I became fascinated by psychology and people behaviours and in 2013, became a licensed practitioner for one of the big psychometrics businesses, and continue to ‘help people to help themselves by understanding people differences. I am also lucky enough to have spent the last, near on 20yrs, working with the quirkiest, convivial, most passionate, fun people in the world of hospitality.
What female leader/s inspire you?
Sara Blakely – Founder. Sara started her career selling fax machines door to door. She created the £1.2bn brand Spanx because something just wasn’t right with her tights! Powered by intuition, Sara a mum of 4, is a genuine ‘lead from the front’ funny lady who has set up a foundation that helps women through education and entrepreneurial training.
What piece of advice, as a female, would you give your younger self?
‘Take care of the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves!’ and ‘Delete unwanted items in your personal inbox as you go along!’
What’s your favourite cocktail & how do you make it?
It has to be a well crafted One Gin Sage and Apple Bramble. Best made by someone who loves their craft. I get too creative/adventurous when making cocktails at home, they’re great, but I can never make the same one twice.
When you’re not making/selling gin/water, where can we find you?
Outside! On my road bike, walking my 3 dogs, at a festival or just a good old pub garden!
In the biggest pot you have (or as many pots as you need) heat up the water until almost boiling and add in the sugar. Occasionally stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Once all the sugar has dissolved, bring to the boil and as soon as it has come to the boil take it off the heat and leave to cool slightly.
